Crew 205 EVA Reports

Crew 205 EVA Report 11 FEB 2019 EVA #01

Author: D. Masaitis, Executive Officer

Purpose of EVA: Terrain familiarization and sample collection

Start time: 1045

End time: 1210

Narrative: EVA #01 began late, as it took the EVA team more time than anticipated to resolve communications issues. All future EVAs will allow an hour before scheduled departure for preparation and resolution of issues. The EVAteam departed with Spirit and Opportunity, and headed southbound along Cow Dung Road (0110) until passing Robert's Rock Garden. The team then dismounted and moved on foot to Kissing Camel Ridge West, and climbed the southern face. Communications with HAB Control were lost after passing through Robert's Rock Garden, so while the other team members were looking for suitable sampling sites, H. Blackburn moved to the ridge's summit to re-establish communications with HAB Control. Three substrate samples, site measurements, and site photograpghs were taken by N. Hadland (GHO) between the southern face, the summit of the ridge, and the northern face, while D. Masaitis (XO) recorded site coordinates and carried equipment. D. Robson (HSO) moved with the team to take area photgraphy and additional picures for the crew journalist. At 1200 hrs, D. Masaitis (XO) asked the team to move back to the rovers to prepare for the return trip to the hab. The team mounted Spirit and Opportunity, and returned to the HAB by 1210 hrs. All EVA objectives were accomplished, and the EVA was conducted within the approved EVA window.

Destination: Kissing Camel Ridge West

Coordinates: 4249300/518100

Participants: Dave Masaitis (XO), Nathan Handland (GHO), Daniel Robson (HSO), Hannah Blackburn (COMMS)

Roads and routes per MDRS Map: Southbound on Cow Dung Road (0110), until Robert's Rock Garden

Mode of Travel: Driving (Spirit and Opportunity) and Walking

Crew 205 EVA Report 11 FEB 2019 EVA #02

Author: D. Masaitis, Executive Officer

Purpose of EVA: Terrain familiarization and sample collection

Start time: 1451

End time: 1542

Narrative: EVA #02 began at 1451 hrs and moved southeast towars the conical hilltop in the vicinity of 4250500/518400, pausing occasionally for M. Grulich (MEDIA) to take pictures. The team arrived at the conical hilltop at approximately 1500, and began taking smaples. By 1515 hrs, some team members began to report feeling excessivly warm, but decided to continue movement towards Pooh's Corner. During the movement towards Pooh's Corner, M. Grulich (MEDIA) reported excessive visor fogging, and another crew member reported feeling extremely hot. N. Larrea (CO) asked the EVA team if they felt it necessary to return to the HAB, and they agreed. The team notified HAB Contol of their complications, and H. Blackburn (COMMS) and D. Robson (HSO) prepared to recieve the team. EVA #02 depressurized in the airlock at 1542, ending the EVA early, and were subsequently checked out and rehydrated by D. Robson (HSO). All members of EVA #02 are presently accounted for and hydrated.

Destination: North Ridge, Pooh's Corner

Coordinates: 4250500/518400

Participants: Natalia Larrea (CO), Ghanim Alotoibai (ASTRO), Maria Grulich (MEDIA), Veronica Trivino (ENG)

Roads and routes per MDRS Map: Southeast towards 4250500/518400, then north towards 4250900/518800 (Pooh's Corner)

Mode of Travel: Walking

Crew 205 EVA Report 12 FEB 2019 EVA #03

Author: D. Masaitis, Executive Officer

Purpose of EVA: Terrain familiarization and sample collection

Start time: 0930

End time: 1250

Narrative: The EVA began without incident with both Oppurtunity and Spirit rovers operating nominally. The team proceeded north, and after passing Galileo road, they lost COMMS with the Hab. The Spirit rover began to lose charge unusually fast compared to the Oppurtunity rover. Approximately 100 m after passing Tank Wash, the Spirit rover dropped to 63% SOC and the team decided to dismount to avoid crossing the 60% mission-return threshold. The team then advanced north on Cow Dung Road on foot, walking approximately 500 m before approching a metal trail indicator. However, Brahe Highway was not clearly visible and the team proceeded westward to try to find the trail. After approximately 15 minutes of searching, the team returned to Cow Dung Road and took 2 samples. The first sample collected was a clay-like regolith material and was sampled in sufficient quantities to provide for the GreenHab project described in the mission plan. The second sample collected was a crystalline quartz material with brittle composition. The crew then continued north for another 500 meters. N. Hadland (GHO) was leading navigational efforts and noticed the eastward turn in the road, which was inconsistent with the map location of Brahe Highway. After comparing GPS coordinates, the team turned back southward, walking on the western side of Cow Dung Road in attempt to meet up with Brahe Highway. After walking for several minutes, the team found Brahe Highway and follwed the road westward towards White Moon and Beige Moon. The team stopped at a small white mound and took 3 samples. The team then proceeded to a crevice where they took samples of 3 different layers in the strata. One additional sample of a bizzare orange geological sample was taken near the crevice. Samples were collected at the discretion of N. Hadland (GHO) with N. Larrea (CO) taking field notes, providing support, and recording coordinates of sample sites. D. Robson (HSO) also supported sample collection and navigation. M. Grulich took photos of samples and assisted with all field notes. At 1215 hours, N. Hadland (GHO) asked the team to proceed to the rovers. After approximately 20 minutes of walking, the team arrived at the rovers and proceeded back to the Hab, re-establishing communications with the Hab around Galileo Road. The EVA team accomplished all of the stated objectives and completed the EVA within the window. However, the team did not make it to The Moon or Gray Moon as was intended, due to the issue with the rover charge.

Destination: Gray Moon, Beige Moon, The Moon

Coordinates: 4254500/516500 (Gray Moon), 4254350/516500 (Beige Moon), 4254800/515700(The Moon)

Participants: Natalia Larrea (CO), Maria Grulich (MEDIA), Daniel Robson (HSO), Nathan Hadland (GHO)

Roads and routes per MDRS Map: Cow Dung Road (0110) to Brahe Highway (1572) to Brahe Highway (1575)

Mode of Travel: Driving (Gray Moon and Beige Moon) and Walking (The Moon)

Crew 205 EVA Report 12 FEB 2019 EVA #04

Author: D. Masaitis, Executive Officer

Purpose of EVA: Terrain familiarization and sample collection

Start time: <EVA Cancelled>

End time: <EVA Cancelled>

Narrative: EVA team initiated preparations at 1400. By intended start time of 1500, the EVA team was unable to allocate an appropriate number of charged and functioning EVA suits to execute the mission. N. Larrea (CO) cancelled EVA at 1515, and the EVA team stood down. Pre-EVA checks and inspections are being modified in response to this cancellation.

Destination: Old Repeater Point, North Ridge

Coordinates: 4250900/517950 (Old Repeater Point), 4251500/518600 (North Ridge)

Participants: Dave Masaitis (XO), Veronica Trivino (ENG), Hannah Blackburn (COMMS), Ghanim Alotaibi (ASTRO)

Roads and routes per MDRS Map: Climbing western ridgeline to Old Repeater Point, then proceeding north and then northeast to North Ridge

Mode of Travel: Walking

Crew 205 EVA Report 13 FEB 2019 EVA #05

Author: D. Masaitis, Executive Officer

Purpose of EVA: Terrain familiarization and sample collection

Start time: 1030

End time: 1320

Narrative: Crew 205 recieved a mission change at 0800 hrs from the MDRS Director, and accepted a destination change from Maxwell Montes to Candor Chasma for their morning EVA. The team began pre-EVA preparations at 0930 hrs, and entered the airlock for depressurization at 1020 hrs. The team initiated movement north on Cow Dung Road, using Curiosity and Opportunity to navigate north on Cow Dung Road and then east on Galileo Road. Communications were lost as expected, so the team proceeded east on Galileo Road before assuming a short halt at 0519900/4252950 to perform an orientation map check before descending into less-elevated terrain of S. Cactus Road. Curiosity and Opportunity tracked southbound on Cactus Road (1104) until connecting with a dried stream bed, identified on the map as Stream Bed Connector. Here the team parked, and dismounted to move into the western side of Candor Chasma. Sample collection began as soon as the team got down into the canyon. V. Trivino (ENG) assisted N. Hadland with sample collection and labelling, while H. Blackburn took photographs of sample locations. D. Masaitis (XO) maneuvered slightly ahead of the collection team to locate follow-on collection sites, and the team continued to work its way east. By the time they reached 0520378/4251094 the team decided that they had collected enough samples as they could carry, and opted to return to the rovers. Upon reaching the rovers, there was still time remainging in the approved EVA window, so the team opted to backtrack up S. Cactus Road to get closer to a unique hilltop in the vicinity of 0520050/4251650. After relocating the rovers, the team dismounted and climbed the hilltop to take some extra photographs for the Crew Journalist. While there, the EVA team established visual contact of N. Cactus Road heading towards Maxwell Montes, and confirmed it against the map. The team returned to the rovers and began movement back towards the HAB, making one additional short halt in the vicinity of 0519900/4252950 to take a few more photos while D. Masaitis (XO) re-established communications with the HAB. After a successful communication with HAB Control, the EVA team backtracked its route to the HAB, stowed the rovers and reported rover SOC (Curiosity:71%, Opportunity:67%) and hours (Curiosity:74.3, Opportunity:50.1) to HAB Control. At 1320 hours, the EVA team initiated their 5-minute pressurization, ending the EVA.

Destination: Candor Chasma, western end

Coordinates: 0520300/4251100

Participants: Dave Masaitis (XO), Nathan Hadland (GHO), Veronica Trivino (ENG), Hannah Blackburn (COMMS)

Roads and routes per MDRS Map: Cow Dung Road (0110) to Galileo Road (1104) to South Cactus Road (1104)

Mode of Travel: Driving (Cow Dung Rd, Galileo Rd, S. Cactus Rd.) and Walking (W. Candor Chasma)

Crew 205 EVA Report 13 FEB 2019 EVA #06

Author: D. Masaitis, Executive Officer

Purpose of EVA: Terrain familiarization and sample collection

Start time: 1500

End time: 1551

Narrative: Meteorological conditions altered the EVA plan immediately, with high winds making flight testing of Crew 205's unmanned aerial vehicle non-viable. The UAV was therefore left at the Hab prior to departure, but sample collection materials were retained. EVA #06 began at 1500 hours. The team headed to Old Repeater Point to proceed with geological sample collection and photography. Half way through, it started to rain. Increasing rain intensity made terrain slippery and the helmets in the EVA suits foggy. These conditions made operations difficult, and after evaluating their situation, the team decided to return to the Hab. EVA was concluded earlier than planned at 1551 hours.

Destination: Old Repeater Point, North Ridge

Coordinates: 4250900/517950 (Old Repeater Point), 4251500/518600 (North Ridge)

Participants: Natalia Larrea (CO), Daniel Robson (HSO), Maria Grulich (MEDIA)  Ghanim Alotaibi (ASTRO)

Roads and routes per MDRS Map: Climbing western ridgeline to Old Repeater Point, then proceeding north and then northeast to North Ridge

Mode of Travel: Walking

Crew 205 EVA Report 14 FEB 2019 EVA #07

Author: N. Hadland, Executive Officer

Purpose of EVA: Terrain familiarization and sample collection

Start time: 1030

End time: 1115

Narrative: The crew left the Hab at approximately 10:35 and headed North towards North Ridge. In a clear space about 200m North of the robotic observatory they tested their drone “Parrot Mambo No. 5” for the first time. It succeeded in taking off with its ribbon attachments below but was noticeably perturbed in its flight by the winds so it landed and the ribbons were removed. The ribbon’s purpose is part of a proof of concept experiment to see whether a hovering drone with colorful ribbon below can be used as a beacon or lighthouse for nearby lost EVA crews. The drone took off a second time without this attachment and flew to an appreciable height of approximately 10m before the wind began blowing the drone too strongly and it was landed to prevent damage to the equipment. It was then put on charge on a portable power bank and the crew set off North again along Path 1103. Approximately 300m from the base of North Ridge in a hilly area the drone was flown again to take photographs of the crew below with the vertical camera. 4 photos were taken, some of which successfully show the crew below with good resolution. Before the crew began their approach to the North Ridge ascent on Path 1103 at approximately 1055, COMMS Officer H. Blackburn called in to notify the crewthat the incidental weather they had been monitoring had reached the Hab and precipitation would likely reach the EVA team in under 10 minutes. For safety, the EVA was stopped and the crew returned to the Hab before the rain made the ground unsuitable for exploration. Effective monitoring of the environmental conditions at the Hab and clear communication with the EVA team ensured this was a productive and safe short EVA. The EVA team returned to the airlock at 1110 without incident.

Destination: Pooh's Corner, North Ridge

Coordinates: 0518800/4250900 (Pooh's Corner), 0518600/4251500 (North Ridge)

Participants: Natalia Larrea (GHO), Daniel Robson (HSO), Maria Grulich (MEDIA)  Veronica Trivino (ENG)

Roads and routes per MDRS Map:  North along Cow Dung Road (0110), through Pooh's Corner, and then northwest to North Ridge

Mode of Travel: Walking

Crew 205 EVA Report 16 FEB 2019 EVA #08

Author: D. Robson, Executive Officer

Purpose of EVA: Terrain familiarization and sample collection

Start time: 0930

End time: 1200

Narrative: With the weather remaining favourable overnight and the ground being safe to walk on, it was decided that EVA 08 would go ahead as approved and planned. The team began pre-EVA preparations at 0845 hrs, and entered the airlock for depressurisation at 0923 hrs. The team of 4 headed North from the hab towards North Ridge and encountered no problems on the way to the foot of the cliff. A route, separate from 1103, was found up to the top of the ridge. The crew here decided to split into teams of 2 at around 0945, with one covering the lower areas of the cliff for sample marking, while the other completed the ascent to obtain samples from the top and take photos for outreach. Communications were maintained between both teams and the Hab, and the ascent was completed safely by 1011, by D. Masaitis and D. Robson. Two samples were taken from top of North Ridge, and the team at the bottom found a “rock garden” around the ESE of North Ridge at 0518790/4251422. This rock garden has been nicknamed “Hadland’s Garden”, after our GreenHab Officer and his dauntless quest for regolith and interesting rock samples.

Once the operation on the top of North Ridge was completed, the team of 2 were guided down the slope by the ground team of N. Hadland and G. Alotaibi, who had already identified the safest route while locating sample sites. The teams rejoined at the bottom of North Ridge safely at 1050.

From here the full EVA team began taking samples from around the base of North Ridge and from Hadland’s Garden. Sample collecting was finished by 1130, and the team returned to MDRS by 1141 for re-pressurisation.

Destination: North Ridge, South side base and summit

Coordinates: 0518350/4251450

Participants: Daniel Robson (XO), Nathan Hadland (GHO), Dave Masaitis (ENG), Ghanim Alotaibi (ASTRO)

Roads and routes per MDRS Map: Walking parallel to route 1103, before ascending North Ridge and exploring East along its base

Mode of Travel: Walking Only

Crew 205 EVA Report 16 FEB 2019 EVA #09

Purpose of EVA: Exploration of geology on Kissing Camel Ridge East and testing of drone capabilities Start time: 1300

End time: 1520

Narrative: After the first EVA (#08) came back safely and reported favourable ground conditions the second EVA of Sol 6 decided to go ahead as planned. The team began pre-EVA preparations at 1220, and entered the airlock for depressurisation at 1305. The team of 4 drove South East along Cow Dung Road away from the Hab towards Robert’s Rock Garden, using the rovers Spirit and Opportunity. During this travel H. Blackburn’s right breathing tube came out of the backpack (remaining connected to the helmet), so the team stopped to fix it and it remained in working condition for the rest of the EVA. Communications with the Hab was lost as they passed behind the ridge as expected.

The team passed through Robert’s Rock Garden and parked on the South side of the Ridge, and here tested flying the drone in EVA suits to ensure its workability, which was successful if a little inaccurate in the wind. The team then walked back through the garden to ascend from the North side of the Ridge. This was done to re-establish and preserve comms with the Hab during the ascent which worked as planned. The team began their ascent at 1342. H. Blackburn’s radio battery died at 1345 so the team remained within shouting distance for safety, and the crew has discontinued its use. Soon after, the breathing tube on M. Grulich’s EVA backpack also detached in the same manner as H. Blackburn’s had earlier. Both suits have been set aside for work tonight to determine their usability. In addition, Grulich’s helmet had a problem, in that the indented “flap” became detached from the top of its join to the helmet and so was pressing down on her head and shoulders. Grulich didn’t notice this problem until the other team members inspected her suit when the breathing tube came out, so we are unable to determine a cause or time of malfunction. The helmet, in addition to the suit is set aside awaiting repairs. At 1407 the team reached the summit.

While at the top they took photos for outreach and tested the drone along with its vertical camera capabilities. The drone had difficulty maintaining a stable position at the summit due to the increased wind, so the team decided to land it safely.

The team noted that the South side descent appeared to be easier than their North side ascent, and so informed the Hab of their intent to climb down this way. The Hab acknowledged and wished them luck before the comms stopped as they went down the far side. The team reached the bottom safely and returned to Spirit and Opportunity and drove back towards the Hab at 1505.

Having accomplished their mission objectives early, the team decided to stop at the Mars Society MDRS sign on Cow Dung Road south of the Hab, and take some photos together there too. They also use this opportunity for a final test flight of the drone and its camera. Again, the drone flight was hampered by the wind although some photos were taken. The team returned to the Hab airlock at 1535.

Participants: Veronica Trivino (CO), Maria Grulich (MEDIA), Hannah Blackburn (COMMS), Natalia Larrea (HSO)

Roads and routes per MDRS Map: South East on Cow Dung Road, parked Southside of Robert’s Rock Garden and walked North to South over Kissing Camel Ridge East before returning by rover to the Hab on Cow Dung Road again.

Mode of Travel: Driving (Spirit & Opportunity) and walking (from 0518400/4249400 to 0518400/4248900 – from North to South side of Kissing Camel Ridge East)

Crew 205 EVA Report 17 FEB 2019 EVA #10

Author: D. Robson, Commander

Purpose of EVA: Region Exploration and Sample Collection from Moon Regions

Start time: 1000

End time: 1245

Narrative: Warned about the potential for snow the previous night, the crew decided to cautiously undertake the EVA and continue monitor the weather system forming on the Southern Mountain to determine whether cancelling the EVA mid-way through would be necessary. The team began pre-EVA preparations at 0925 hrs, and entered the airlock for depressurisation at 1006 hrs. The team of 4 headed North from the Hab along Cow Dung Road on the rovers Curiosity and Opportunity. They remained on this road for a while heading towards to Moon, losing contact with the Hab at 1011 near Galileo Road as expected. As they crossed Tank Wash it was noted Opportunity’s SOC was around 72% and Curiosity’s only a few % higher. The team turned West onto Brahe Highway and drove across the Moon Region, until they decided to stop a few hundred metres short of the Copernicus Highway turn off, due to Opportunity having 62% SOC remaining.

From here, the crew walked West along the road a bit more, but after finding a suitable location to explore from the road, turned NNE and headed into the Grey Moon area. Here they obtained a couple of samples from the grey material and dried riverbeds. Following river channels, they headed East, and encountered a reddish area near the joining of a few stream beds. It was here they obtained several samples including what were very clearly fossilised shells of ancient snails and limpets. A very exciting find.

They summited the hill by the red stream bed and spotted an interesting crevice where a larger stream used to flow. Following this for a few hundred metres they encountered other interesting sample sites that included what in the wet season would be a small waterfall as part of the wash at the crevice’s end which made for some good samples and photos. Spotting that Skyline Ridge and the peaks to the North West of them were becoming clouded, the team decided to return to the rovers by following the crevice back and then immediately turning back towards the road. They briefly stopped for some photos in-front of a grey lunar hill, in preparation for outreach events to celebrate 50 years since the Apollo 11 landings later this year. The crewreturned to the rovers by 1200 and headed back towards Cow Dung Road along Brahe Highway. They briefly stopped again to GPS mark an interesting stratified ridge line to explore at a later date, and near Tank Wash to observe a proposed route to walk from that area to Murphy’s Canyon. The crew had returned to the Hab by 1240, and in the nick of time too, as within half an hour snow flurries had begun outside the Hab window, which has led to the second EVA of the day being cancelled.

Destination: Grey Moon

Coordinates: 0516450/4254400 (parked rovers)

Participants: Daniel Robson (CO), Nathan Hadland (GHO), Dave Masaitis (HSO), Veronica Trivino (ENG)

Roads and routes per MDRS Map: Driving North on Cow Dung Road (1572), turning West onto Brahe Highway (1575), and then walking around Grey Moon area.

Mode of Travel: Driving (Curiosity and Opportunity) and Walking

EVAs #11, #12, and #13 were cancelled due to inclement weather.

Crew 205 EVA Report 20 FEB 2019 EVA #14

Author: Natalia Larrea

Purpose of EVA: The primary planned objective was to continue exploration of Condor Chasma, passing through the area that was already sampled and continuing deeper into the canyon to take more regolith-type substrates for the scientific objectives of the ISRU project, as well as taking samples for ESA as the EVA11 of 17/02 was canceled due to inclement weather.

Start time: 1300

End time: 1510

Narrative: The EVA team, led by Nathan Hadland (GHO) and composed by Maria Grulich (MEDIA), Ghanim Alotaibi (ASTRO) and Natalia Larrea (XO), left the Hab at approximately at 1300 after completing depressurization. Two rovers – Opportunity and Spirit - were planned to be used in the EVA. When the team turned on the rovers, Spirit and Opportunity had SOCs below 100% (73% and 49% respectively). The team immediately reported to the Commander (Hannah Blackburn) inside the Hab and started investigated the cause. It was found out that the problem was likely due to an issue with the breaker. In accordance to the procedures described in the handbook, which specifically states not to manipulate the breakers, the team decided to stand by and inform Mission Support. Atila and David came to the Hab and reset the external breakers, which fixed the problem. They advised to delay the EVA for an hour to confirm the rovers were fully charged. Mission Support also advised to use Curiosity instead of Opportunity given its low initial SOC.  Under these circumstances, the EVA was delayed until approximately 14.30. At that time, the EVA team left the Hab and headed to the rovers (Curiosity and Spirit). It was confirmed that both rovers had a SOC of 100%. At the Hab, the sky was overcast and had good visibility. Therefore, the team felt it was safe to proceed with the planned operations.

The EVA team then headed towards Condor Chasma as planned. When they reached the intersection of Galileo Road and Cactus Road, they spotted faster-moving clouds which may be an incoming front. Under these conditions, the team promptly decided to return to the Hab to ensure safety. The EVA team came back safely into the Hab at approximately 15.10. SOC and hours for the rovers reported at return were: 53%, 76.1 h (Spirit) and 71%, 75.3 h (Curiosity).

Destination: Candor Chasma

Coordinates: 520100/4250500 Parking Stream Bed connector; 0520378/4251094 Candor Chasma (not reached)

Participants: Nathan Hadland (GHO), Ghanim Alotaibi (ASTRO), Natalia Larrea (XO), Maria Grulich (MEDIA)

Roads and routes per MDRS Map: North on Cow Dung Road (0110) to Galileo Road (1104), East to South Cactus Road (1104), to end of stream bed connector (parking there) and walk towards Candor Chasma East

Mode of Travel: Driving (Curiosity and Spirit) and Walking (not conducted)